You never know what you have till it’s gone. And that cannot be more true for when you leave your home state for school. Rhode Island may be the smallest state but it is pack with unique things that are only true for Rhode Islanders! The list could go on and on forever if I were to talk about all the cool things about my home, but here’s my top 20.

1. It’s called the 401 for a reason!

Rhode Island is the only state to only have one area code! This means whenever giving someone your number you pretty much left this part out.

2. Newport Creamery

Newport Creamery is not just an ice cream shop but a diner that was the hub after all school dances! Not feeling the ice cream? Get an Awful Awfuls and I promise they are anything but awful.

3. Beaches

With over 400 miles of coast lines you are always close to the beach! Not to mention how great those beaches are! Ask some locals they’ll all give you different answers on what one's the best. That just makes them all so amazing!

4. The Big Blue Bug

Nibbles Wood Away sits in providence overlooking the highway. For the holiday season, he will be covered in lights and wear a red nose, during the summer he has on his sunglasses and will be drinking an Awful Awful.

5. Iggy’s

Clam Cakes and “Chowda” need I say more? Summer memories will always be made here! You might just have to wait in line for a while for this state favorite!

6. Coffee Milk

RI’s state drink is a delicious syrup poured into milk and mixed…. Nope not chocolate, it's Coffee Milk!!!!

7. Party Pizza

A childhood favorite growing up! This was one of the main foods at every party and leftovers were the best!

8. Del’s

What’s better than lemonade? Frozen lemonade! But for the love of all things please DO NOT DRINK IT WITH A STRAW! I REPEAT DO NOT DRINK IT WITH A STRAW.

9. “Wicked”

You may use very, we use wicked.

10. “R”

States are known for the accents. Rhode Islanders are often confused with Bostonians because of our use of R’s. We drop it when we should keep it and use it when we shouldn’t! We also throw in W’s whenever.

11. Hot Wieners

Hot Wieners are a must for anyone visiting the state! Wein-O-Rama over in Cranston is one of my favorite places to go for one! Nothing like sitting at the counter and watching them be made! Make sure you order it “all the way.”

12. Never a long ride

Rhode Island is only 48 miles tall and 37 miles wide so car rides for us should never be longer than 30 minutes. If it's longer, expect us to bring snacks!

13. Providence Water Fires

Providence is beautiful all year round. And with the Water Fire events the city becomes a whole new magical world.

14. Rhode Island is just a nickname

Rhode Island isn’t the state’s full name. We are Officially called Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

15. The Gaspee

You think the Boston tea party started it all? Well, Rhode Island actually started two months prior. We sunk an English ship making us the first to take military action.

16. Dunkin

Dunkin Donuts is a huge thing in all of Southern New England. On my two-road drive to High School I would past by at least 3!

17. Hope

Our state motto and a great way of going through life. Hope reminds us to stay positive.

18. Our State Bird

A Chicken! The Rhode Island Red to be exact. What's cooler than having a bird named after you?

19. The $1 Dollar Bill

Well, not the actual bill, but the artist responsible for that face you see is from here.

20. Historical Firsts

-Newport hosted the country’s first ever circus in 1774

-To Declare independence (May 4, 1776)

-To have an official anti-slavery stance, starting in 1652